GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Teddy Gaines has been named to the Tusculum College football staff and will serve as defensive passing game coordinator and coach the TC defensive backs announced head coach Frankie DeBusk.

Gaines, a native of Kingsport, Tenn., replaces Kevin Weston, who stepped down at his alma mater after eight seasons, to accept the head coaching post at NCAA Division II Clark Atlanta University.

Gaines comes to Tusculum after serving last season as defensive backs coach and special teams' coordinator at Maryville College. The Scots' posted a 6-4 overall record, including 5-2 in league play to capture a share of the USA South Athletic Conference championship, the program's first league title since 1931. Gaines mentored a pair of All-Conference standouts in Jacob Berwind and Kane Crowell as Maryville boasted the top secondary in the USA South. The Scots led the league in pass efficiency defense (92.91), total defense (340.3 ypg), scoring defense (21.6 ppg), and pass defense (149.9 ypg).

From 2008-2011 he served as the defensive back coach and special teams coordinator at South Atlantic Conference member Brevard College. His Tornado secondary hauled in 11 interceptions in 2011 pacing the SAC in total picks. On three occasions his defensive backs earned All-Conference honors including two-time honoree Michael Gist in 2009 and 2011.

In his second year on the Brevard staff, the 2010 Tornados posted a six-win improvement by posting a 7-4 record and recorded the program's best finish in the league.

"We are so fortunate to hire a person with East Tennessee ties and have the background that Coach Gaines brings to our staff," said DeBusk. At Brevard, his defensive backs were always well-coached and caused us problems as an offense. We have helped our football team today by hiring Teddy Gaines and I know our players will be excited that he is on board as we move into 2013."

Prior to Brevard, Gaines served as a defensive assistant at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2008, where he served as the strong side linebacker coach.

He was a standout student-athlete at the University of Tennessee and was a top contributor in the Vols' secondary. A member of the 1998 National Championship Tennessee squad, Teddy was drafted in the seventh round of the 2002 National Football League Draft. He enjoyed stints with San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bears. He also gained playing experience with the NFL Europe's Rhein Fire in Germany and the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

Gaines was a three-year starter and All-State defensive back at Dobyns-Bennett High School for prep coach Graham Clark. The two-time All-Big East selection was selected to play in the Tennessee-Kentucky all-star game. During his prep career, he recorded five interceptions, while blocking five field goals and five punts. As senior, he led the Indians to an 11-2 record and a semifinal berth in the state playoffs. He also shined at receiver, where he caught 42 passes for 888 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior.

He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in history at Tennessee in 2004 and began a career in education as he gained experiences in Knoxville, Cleveland and Kingsport as an educator and coach.

DeBusk also announced changes in coaching assignments on the TC defensive staff. Defensive coordinator Mike Iezzi will also mentor the linebacker corps, while Tim Tobin will coach the defensive line and serve as the program's strength and conditioning coordinator.

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